Chapter 137: A Slap

Clark walked out dejectedly, his head hanging low.

The young page was puzzled. He had come to the Parliamentary Library to become a chief librarian, yet now he was an Imperial Scholar-Apprentice and still seemed utterly dissatisfied. Wasn't this a great honor?

The page, assuming Clark didn't understand, asked, “In the Parliamentary Library, an Imperial Scholar-Apprentice is highly respected. Why aren’t you happy?”

Clark managed a smile, one that was more painful than tears. “Happy? Of course, I’m happy,” he said, his voice lacking conviction.

The page chuckled, “That doesn’t look like happiness.”

Clark fell silent and allowed the page to lead him. As the introductions continued, Clark, distracted and disheartened, hardly remembered anyone’s name. All he could focus on were the looks of disdain from the others.

The resentment from the scholars was palpable. It was especially strong because Clark had entered through the back door—he hadn’t even needed to take an exam. So, from the very start, the others treated him with contempt, looking down on him and sneering whenever they got the chance.

As the day wore on, Clark grew increasingly disheartened. He felt a hollow ache in his chest, the weight of his unworthiness sinking in. He was supposed to be an Imperial Scholar-Apprentice, but it all felt like an undeserved gift, not an achievement.

Meanwhile, Geoffrey had left early in the morning with Vance’s people to go to the magistrate’s office. Tyler was there, and Geoffrey discussed the situation, having Priscilla and the others meet with Braden.

Upon seeing her injured son, Priscilla was beside herself with worry, rushing forward to hold him and crying out desperately.

Braden pushed her away, turning to Prudence with tears streaming down his face. “Grandmother, please help me. I don’t want to stay here. Get me out of here.”

Prudence felt the familiar pang of sorrow, but she kept her composure. “Why didn’t you come clean to Geoffrey last night when he came to see you?”

Braden sulked. “All he had to do was get me out! Why does he keep asking so many questions? Is the Duke of Blackmoor not capable of getting me out? He’s always boasting about how powerful he is, yet here I am.”

Prudence was taken aback by his arrogance, still so defiant even after everything that had happened. Her face hardened. “So what if he’s the Duke? The testimonies from the others are against you. If you don’t speak up, no one—not even the princess—can help you. Do you think the High Magistracy of Argentum is just any small-town magistrate’s court? The magistrate there is a prince, and you think the Duke can walk all over him?”

Braden’s face fell as he remembered the earlier interrogation. He had been so arrogant, thinking his title would get him out of trouble. Now, the fear of the situation finally hit him.

He grabbed Prudence’s arm desperately. “What should I do, Grandmother? I don’t want to stay here. Please, get me out.”

Tears flowed freely from his eyes, his previous bravado crumbling away in the face of real fear. What he had put on earlier as a performance was now raw emotion—he was truly scared.

Priscilla, heartbroken, rushed to clean his face, crying, “Please do something!”

Prudence, maintaining a stern tone, said, “Tell Geoffrey everything that happened. Then we’ll figure out a plan for you.”

Braden nodded vigorously, agreeing to do whatever Prudence said.

Relieved, Prudence turned to Vance, “Go get Geoffrey.”

Geoffrey returned after a short while, and Braden, under the watchful eyes of Prudence, truthfully recounted everything that had transpired the previous night.

Although Geoffrey had already guessed much of it, hearing Braden shamelessly recount his scheming against Clark, without an ounce of remorse, made Geoffrey’s blood boil. He was ready to slap some sense into him.

After listening, Geoffrey remained silent, turned on his heel, and walked out without saying a word.

Braden, indignant, jumped up. “What’s the meaning of this? What was that all about?”

“Geoffrey is probably going to see Tyler,” Prudence replied coolly, though she too was displeased. Geoffrey’s silence, his lack of any words after hearing such a confession, was beyond disrespectful.

About half an hour later, Geoffrey returned.

“How did it go?” Prudence asked, her tone filled with restrained displeasure.

Geoffrey sighed heavily. “I spoke with Tyler. It’s impossible to clear him of everything, but the charge of misconduct with the woman is more serious, especially with the poison found on the table. So, Tyler suggested that we settle with Kameron and Jocelynn. We can offer them silver, apologize—whatever it takes to get them to retract their accusations. As for the drugging, since Clark didn’t make a formal complaint, it will be considered a prank. However, the fight… if Kameron agrees to compromise, Braden will be the only one to bear the consequences.”

Priscilla interrupted. “The fight? He won’t have to go to prison, will he?”

“If we petition for mercy, it’s possible he’ll only serve one to three months. The situation isn’t dire,” Geoffrey replied.

Prudence’s face darkened. “So, he still has to go to prison?”

Geoffrey shrugged. “This is the best we can do.”

Braden, angered, protested, “This is no solution! The best solution is that I don’t go to prison!”

Prudence took Geoffrey aside and whispered, “What if we offer Kameron money to take the blame?”

Geoffrey shook his head. “Mother, bribing the High Magistracy of Argentum is useless. That’s already beyond Tyler’s leniency.”

“Well, then what about getting Kameron to take the fall?” Prudence asked again.

“Would Kameron even agree to that?” Geoffrey said, sounding doubtful.

Prudence smiled faintly. “It’s all about the money.”

Geoffrey sighed. “The Duke of Blackmoor is wealthy, but would he be willing to have his son sent to prison for the sake of money?”

Prudence grew more agitated. “You keep saying this won’t work and that won’t work! Then tell me, what will?”

Geoffrey, looking at Prudence, said quietly, “If it were up to me, I’d let him sit in prison for a while to reflect. Maybe after this, he’ll realize his mistakes and stop acting so recklessly. Maybe he’ll learn not to make such foolish decisions.”

“What did he do wrong?” Prudence asked coldly, her gaze sharp.

“Conspiring against his own brother. Isn’t that enough of a mistake?” Geoffrey replied. Prudence’s eyes darkened. “People do what they must for their future.”

“And you think that justifies it? Using deceit to climb the ladder? No, that’s not how we do things here,” Geoffrey replied sharply. Prudence fixed him with a hard look. Then, with a cold laugh, she said, “So, do you not believe Xavier’s words anymore?”

“I do believe him, but I don’t think it applies here,” Geoffrey replied firmly. “I made my way here through hard work, not by stepping on others. You think if Clark hadn’t gone to the Parliamentary Library, Braden would have had a future? Look at the mess he’s made. Even if he becomes an official, he’ll just be a corrupt one.”

With a sudden movement, a slap landed on Geoffrey’s face.